Prestigious Family Wineries
Live Virtual Auction, 23 July 2023
Prestigious family wineries | Thelema Mountain Vineyards, Raats Family Wines and Savage Wines
About this Item
Thelema, the Greek word for ‘will’, was a charming dilapidated fruit farm until Gyles Webb came along and purchased the farm with the help of his wife’s family in 1983. Placed at the top of the Helshoogte Pass, Thelema is one of the highest and coolest estates in the area, its deep red soils make it ideal for premium quality wine grape production. At a time when the South African wine scene was focused on quantity rather than quality, Webb was a trailblazing pioneer on a mission to craft world-class wines. Construction began on the winery in 1987, and Thelema produced its first vintage in 1988. Winemaking since 2000 has been in the capable hands of Rudi Schultz, with Gyles's son Thomas involved in running the business.
Critics Ratings
'Aged 20 months in 40% new French oak, there is lovely varietal typicity here (despite the sneaky splash of Petit Verdot in the blend), with a dusty mineral nose of dried basil and thyme, hints of fynbos, graphite, and perfumed potpourri dried herb spice. Beautifully textured, the palate shows great purity and precision and intelligent winemaking. Like all the Thelema wines, there are fine polished tannins, real elegance, focus and finesse. Classy and classical, this is an impressive expression of Stellenbosch Cabernet with complexity, age-ability, and confidence of style. Benchmark in everyday.' - Greg Sherwood MW, 94/100
‘This blend of Cabernet with 15% Petit Verdot comes from 12-year-old vineyards on the Simonsberg and it’s a gem. Cedarwod, tobacco, plum and blackcurrant flavours dance around a core of savoury tannins and bright acidity. 2017-24.’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2017, 93/100
'Standout fruit in 2013, deep & intense, seamed by firm, dry tannin from 18 months oaking, 45% new. Built to last but careful hands ensured a balance between current enjoyment & a future. Still an infant, the best lies ahead.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2018, 4.5* (92/100)
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